In this illustration, the Airbnb logo is displayed on a smartphone on January 26, 2024 in unspecified, United Kingdom.
John Cable | Getty Images
Airbnb It has announced that it will ban the use of indoor security cameras at any property listed on its website, and will impose new restrictions on external cameras and noise monitors.
Cameras were previously allowed in areas such as hallways and living areas as long as they were disclosed by the property owner. Airbnb also required that cameras be clearly visible and not located in sleeping areas or bathrooms.
It said on Monday that the changes, which will take effect starting April 30, simplify its policy on monitoring devices and “continue to prioritize the privacy” of Airbnb users.
It will also now require that property managers disclose the presence and general location of any outdoor cameras, that such cameras not monitor interior spaces, and not be located anywhere with a “greater expectation of privacy,” such as showers and saunas.
Airbnb acknowledged that some property owners had used noise monitors as a way to “get around issues such as unauthorized parties”, but said they should be disclosed to guests. They should only evaluate decibel levels and not record or transmit sounds.
Airbnb said violations of the new policy will be investigated and penalties may include removal of the listing or user account.
“These changes come after extensive consultation with guests, hosts, privacy experts and advocacy groups,” Airbnb said in the statement.
While the company says the majority of properties listed on its site do not report a security camera, the changes come amid growing concern about the potential use of hidden cameras in public spaces, which have become cheaper and more widely available in recent years.
